Summary of research

Autobiographical memory and social problem-solving, cognitive processes in depression, mood and exercise

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My main research interests are in how autobiographical memory functions in personal problem-solving. One focus is on depression where problem-solving skills are often poor and retrieval from autobiographical memory is characteristic of certain biases (e.g. negative and over-general). A main aim has been to identify optimal retrieval strategies for successful problem-solving performance and to attempt to improve problem-solving in depression by encouragement towards such strategies.

I am currently extending this work in two directions. First by examining social problem-solving deficits in Aspergers syndrome and how these may relate to autobiographical memory retrieval style and how this maps on to different problem-solving styles. For example, our research shows that gender differences exist with females favouring a more specific memory retrieval style and detailed problem-solving style in contrast to males.

Finally I also have research interests in the general area of cognitive processes in depression and in how depressed mood may be improved with certain exercise techniques ú particularly those which foster greater body awareness such as Pilates technique.

Grants & awards

Research interests

My main research interests are in how autobiographical memory functions in personal problem-solving. One focus is on depression where problem-solving skills are often poor and retrieval from autobiographical memory is characteristic of certain biases (e.g. negative and over-general). A main aim has been to identify optimal retrieval strategies for successful problem-solving performance and to attempt to improve problem-solving in depression by encouragement towards such strategies.

I am currently extending this work in two directions. First by examining social problem-solving deficits in Aspergers syndrome and how these may relate to autobiographical memory retrieval style and how this maps on to different problem-solving styles. For example, our research shows that gender differences exist with females favouring a more specific memory retrieval style and detailed problem-solving style in contrast to males.

Finally I also have research interests in the general area of cognitive processes in depression and in how depressed mood may be improved with certain exercise techniques ú particularly those which foster greater body awareness such as Pilates technique.